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Loving Presence Counseling Secular Meditation Medical Qi Gong

Articles & Talks

April 2005 Newsletter

Welcome!

When we are focused on balancing and integrating our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives, we often find it helpful to hear from others on the journey. Our deepest questions may be articulated by others. We may feel less alone, and more connected to those around us in meaningful ways.

It is my hope that the words of this occasional letter will touch your life and heart- that you will see how a life of more awareness leads to a life of healing the deepest hurts- a life of compassion for self and others, and a life worth living!

You are invited to share your insights, questions, and requests for future articles.

In this issue
Fresh Perspectives

Connecting with Your Creativity

An excerpt from Nina Livingstone's forthcoming book Let's Not Call It Meditation: Practical Information for People Who Think They Can't Sit Still and Quiet the Mind

Recently, I tuned in to a national radio program and heard an author speak about his book on creativity. I was surprised to hear him say that the silence out of which creativity arises, is different than the silence we experience in meditation. He is mistaken. The wondrous openness of silence is where all creativity is born. Our interpretation of the silence defines our understanding of it, as the radio author suggested, but silence just is. Silence is the fertile ground of all that is, and from it, all thought arises. Each person expresses creativity differently. That is part of the wonder of creativity. How does creativity express differently in each of us? It is too big a question to know how to answer. It just does!

We call something creative because it feels fresh and unique and because it exists. Our lives express our uniqueness when we live with awareness. When we intentionally cultivate awareness, our creativity abundantly expands and expresses itself.

Awareness allows for the impulse to write, paint, cook, manage a business, or express all manner of creativity. One author puts a paper bag over his head to eliminate distraction and generate new stories for his next book! He doesn't realize how a simple meditation practice would help him develop his ability to focus in silence, without needing to put a paper bag over his head!

One often hears poets and writers speaking of their muse. Where does the voice of the muse come from? Is it possible to enter the silence and drop all stories of what happens there and simple experience it as it is? What is creativity then?

What exists before a creative thought? Are you curious?

A reminder

It's good to remember, as you continue to explore your personal flowering of inner growth, that you already contain all the elements you need to be a beautiful flower. Whether you are a rose, a tulip, carnation, peony, or violet, you are already the flower of your own Being. A flower needs light, moisture, and the right fertilizers to make it grow. To help the seed of you to grow in awareness of all you are, you need awareness (the light), the desire for change (the moisture), and the courage to see through fears and mistaken beliefs (the fertilizer). You will grow with the light, and open to the wonder of life, blossoming fully.


Suggestion Box

Everyday Awareness Practices

Waiting Room Meditation

Have you ever noticed how you look or grab for something to fill the space anytime you have to wait? Have you ever been waiting-for someone else- in line-or in an office- and not reached for something to do?

Allowing the space for empty-time, with nothing to do- gives you the opportunity to use waiting time to explore what is -what is happening around you and within you, with gentle, open, curiosity- not judging, not criticizing- just noticing, just breathing.

Noticing thought, noticing breath, noticing the feel of your chair, or the ground beneath your feet. Noticing the sounds around you, and not needing to do anything, you may find an unexpected gift in waiting time you have often dreaded-a moment of peace in the midst of an otherwise busy, stressful day. Simply sitting or standing in line with nothing else to do but being aware of what is.

Remembering awareness is a gift to your self and others. Please take care.

An Invitation

Something to Think About

Readers may notice a different format to the Open Letter this month. I am experimenting with fewer articles. Please let me know what you think.

List it in your favorites so you can save the address and check it out occasionally.

New Links for Information

Click below for direct links to new fees, classes and workshop info.

New Standard and Multiple Visit Fees
and
Combination Guidance and Qi Gong Packages

 

Awareness at Work
Are you thinking about new experiences for your group that promote happiness and a sense of well- being?

This three hour workshop
gives your group
new skills
for productivity, happiness, and wellness.

Awareness at Work workshop can:
  • Reduce stress
  • Improve overall effectiveness in workplace
  • Improve quality of work and communication skills
  • Increase concentration, clarity, creativity, and wellness.
  • Increase stability in the midst of complex or highly charged situations.
  • This workshop is being offered to small business owners and group leaders who are interested in the happiness of their group. If you know of someone who would appreciate knowing about it, please send them to www.healingwithawareness.com. Thank you.

New Talks

I am also looking for opportunities to give talks to any group interested in promoting well-being and happiness to its members or employees. These one hour talks will be available to organizations in the local Rochester area and will include the following topics:

Meditation for Anyone The Flowering of Inner GrowthAngry at Work? Heal the Heart of It!Opening to Change at Work (at Home, or in the World)What is Awareness?A Forgiveness MeditationA Meditation on CompassionAnd more!

10% of all proceeds of all workshops and talks will be donated to a local charity. A list of charities is available on request. Please keep me in mind for a talk or workshop when your group discusses schedules. More information about fees, referances, and workshop on link below.

Please Spread These Words

Offering others the opportunity to connect expands our community! Please consider forwarding this issue, with a personal note, to anyone on your email list you feel would be interested in it.

Meditation CDs

If you haven't yet explored Nina's meditation CDs, you can read about them, listen to audio samples, and buy them at www.healingwithawareness.com/cds.htm.

Group Awareness Meditation

Monday evening meditation and discussion sessions continue at Nina's home in Penfield. The group is small. Donations only. Beginners are always welcome. Call or email for more info.


Healing with Awareness
3850 Monroe Avenue
Pittsford, New York 14534
Phone: (585) 234-0800

Contact Padme by Email
Help support the administrative costs of Healing with Awareness. Any donation would be most welcome. Thank you.

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